Peace out OC

I am about two weeks late writing this blog but, alas, better late than never. As I write this I am sitting in my parents condo—currently my home.

Peace out OC….

Leaving you is bitter sweet. I dwelled behind the Orange Curtain for One year and 298 days; most of the time feeling like a stranger in a strange land. I never embraced your ways or gave you my heart fully. When my plane took off on November 15, 2008, I had no intention of making you home. You were a means to an end in forwarding my career and a pathway to a promotion back to the Midwest.

Try as I might to hide my heart from you; somehow, a piece of it remains in So Cal. True, I abandoned my Peggy Sawyer* like optimism and advancement ambitions. Yet, the moment that I stopped pursing that which drove me to Coast Mesa is the moment our courtship began. I not only no longer loathed you but also began to like you. My disgust dissipated and an adventure began.

I spent months exploring your charms in Old Town San Diego, The Huntington Library, the Sprekles Organ, the Tide Swells in Laguna Beach and Hotel Del. I, gasp, made friends with your inhabitants. People I am certain will be in my life, if only through the occasional Facebook interaction, forever.

Not only did I explore your state…I explored myself. What did I want to do next? Where did I want to do it? If I am not my job, who am I? I participated in Pax Courses and inquired into my best feminine self.

I had fun, found peace and was happy.

People would ask, “You are such a California Girl now, how can you go back to the Midwest.” I am not a West Coast, Midwest or East Coast Girl. I am me, Alyssa Dyksterhouse.

On my way to my Doctors appointment this morning I heard my summer theme song—Katy Perry’s California Gurls. My sun kissed skin is still so hot it will melt your Popsicle. I am undeniable. I am fine, fresh and fierce—I got in on lock.

One week into my relocation, I am more certain that I made the best choice for me. I am creating opportunities and building on what I started in California.

Peace out OC….you bought me peace.

* The lead Character in the Musical 42nd Street--a nervous but enthusiastic new chorus girl from out of town